Suspension disconnecting switch and mounting therefor



F. H. MAYER Aprilgzz, 19,30.

SUSPENSION DISCONNECTING SWITCH AND MOUNTING THEREFOR 2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Sept. lI 1925 F. H. MAYER 1,755,328

SUSPENSION DISCONNECTING SWITCH AND MOUNTING THEREFOR April 22, 1930.

2 Sheets-Sme?I 2 Filed .septA l, 1925 Patented' Apr. 22, 1930 PATENT ortica FREDERICK H. MAYT'R, OF 'LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA SUSPENSION DISCONNECTING SIVITCH AND MOUIITING TEEREFOR Application filed September 1, 1825.

ThisI invention has to do with an electric switch and mounting therefor. It is an object of the invention to provide a simple, eil 'fective and practical disconnecting switch for a high voltage line such as a power transmission line.

Disconnecting switches for high Voltage power transmission lines usually embody a pivotally mounted blade and are constructed and mounted so that they are 4more or less cumbersome and occupy considerable space.

It is an object of this invention to provide a switch for the character of work mentioned in which the blade reciprocates and is arranged vertically making a switch that occupies comparatively small land area.

JAinother object ot this invention is to provide in'combination a line supporting tower and switch, wherein the switch is suspended from the tower.

It is another object of this invention to provide a combination switch and tower in which one end of the switch is held by the tower, and the other end of the switch is anchored to the ground.

A further object of the invention is to provide various novel and effective details of construction and arrangement such for instance; the adjustability of the Various parts,

the manner in which the parts are related and connected together, and in the various mechanical devices embodied in the device, etc.

The various objects and features'of the invention will be best and more fully under stood from the following detailed description of a typical form and application of the invention. Throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, ,in which:

Fig. 1 is a View showing a line supporting tower, a circuit breaker at the base of the tower and disconnect switches embodying the present invention controlling the connection between the line carried to the tower and the circuit breaker.

Fig. 1A is a diagrammatic side elevation of the tower.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of thc switch showing it in a closed position.

Serial No. 53,835.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged view ot certain parts shown in Fig. 2, being a view taken as indicated by line 3-3 on Fig. 2.

F ig.V L1 is an enlarged detailed sectional view of the lower portion of the operating mechanism. n

Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of the switch showing the switch partially opened.

Fig. 6 is a view taken as indicatedby line 6--6 on Fig. 1. l

This invention is directed, generally,to a switch for handling high voltage electric currents and particularly for controlling high voltage power transmission lines. The invention is capable of embodiment in various forms and may be used in various situations. I have in the present disclosure set forth only one typical form and application ot' the invention because it isvbelieved that this will make clear the nature and principles of the invention. Y

In the drawings, particularlyA Fig. 1, I illustrate a tower 10 for supporting a high tension, or power transmission line, the particular tower illustrated being a dead end tower. I have shown an oil circuit breaker 11 at the base oit the tower, and have shown two switches embodying the present invention carried by the tower, one controlling the connection between the line 12, carried bv the tower, and one terminal 13 of the circuit breaker, and the other controlling the connection between the other terminal 14 or" the circuit breaker and the lead line `15 which leaves the tower. In the particular arrangement shown in the drawings one side or pole of the first mentioned switch is connected with the line 12 by a suitable jumper loop or connection 16, andthe other side or pole of the switch is connected with the terminal 13, by a similar connect-ion 17. The terminal 14 of the circuit breaker is connected with one pole of the second switch by a connection' 18, and the other pole of the second switch is connected with the lead line 15 by a jumper loop or connection 19. v

The steel tower 10, shown in the drawings is one of the Vgeneral type employed in this class of work. The tower may be extended to accommodate as many switches as required. These switches may be alike in construction and operation. The switches are located at the sides of the tower and in a case where several switches are to be arranged at a single side of the tower, the tower may be provided at each end and near the top with horizontal arms or brackets that extend from opposite sides of the tower. To these brackets 20 are fixed horizontal box girders 20. The switches are then suspended Vfrom these girders at proper intervals on both sides of the tower. This general construction is shown on F ig. 1A.

I will proceed to describe in detail one switch, it being understood that such description is applicable lto both switches, and that the switches maybe connectedvr up or employed in mannersother than are herein set forth.

The switch includes, generally, a movable blade '25, two main contacts 26, and 27, arranged at or carriedv byv the upper and lower ends respectively, of the blade, two stationary Contact clips 28.and 29adapted to receive the contacts 26 and 27, respectively, when the switch is closed, operating means 30 for the blade 25, and a snp-porting construction whereby the switch is supported; between'box girder 20 ofthe tower andthe ground.

The blade is in` the form of av colgnparatively long bar or rod, preferably a pipe or tube, and is supported in a vertical position so. that it canbe reciprocated vertically. The support for the blade isa frame like structure 25a, including two spaced horizontal cross bars32 and 33 and two vertical connecting bars 34 which join the ends of the cross bars. lThe cross bars 32 and 33 slidably carry the blade 25 and are vspaced av substantial distance apart as show-n in the drawings so that they effectively supportthe blade in a verticalposition.

The upper stationary contact; clip 28 is mounted in vertical alignment with theI blade 25, atapoint-to receive lthe contact 26 on the tip-perend` ot theblade when the blade-is in the up position. The conductor 16" leading to the switchis connected to the cli-p 28. The contact clip 28y may be carried or supported in any suitable manner. Inv accordance with thepreferred construction the clip is carried by a cross bar 39 suspended from the box girder 20 of the towerthrough suitable in sulating means., In the drawings. I have shown two strings of insulators-35 extending downwardly from the box gilrder and connecting with the ends. of; the cross bar 39. The supporting frame- 2,5',a for the blade 25 may be suspended fromthe cross barf39 or through the strings ofginsulators 35. I have shown in the-drawingstwo strings ott-'insulators 36 extending downwardly from tlieends of the crossbar 39 and connected. with the ends of thetop cross bar 32 of the blade carryingtrame.r In accordance with my invention the connection between the cli supporting bar 39 and blade carrying trame, includes means for adjustment between these parts. This means may be in the form of turn buckles 37 at the ends of the` strings of insulators 36. In the drawings, I have illustrated a turn buckle 37 between the lower end of each string of insulators 36 and the blade carrying frame.

The blade carrying or guiding frame 25 is connected or anchored to the ground by suitable means, for instance, by strings of insulators 49, extending downwardly from the ends of the lower cross bar 33 of the frame, and anchor rods 4l which connect the strings of insulators with, a stationary cross head 42 at the ground.

Suitable resiliency is provided in the construction between the box girder of the tower and the ground to equalize, or allow for, cer' tain strains that may be set up vin the structure duey to temperature, wind, etc. This means is preferably in the form of resilient connections and in practice may be in the form of springs 44 suitably arranged at the' connection between the anchor rod 4l and sta.- tionary cross head 42. In the drawings I have shown the anchor rods extending downwardly through the ends oft-he cross head 42 and I have shown the compression springs 44' arranged between the lower side of the head 42 and nuts 45- screw threaded on the lower ends of the rods. lVith this vconstruction the tension under which the entirestructure is held may be adjusted by operation of the4 nuts 45. The lower contact clip 29 which is adapted to cooperate with the contact 27 at the lower end of the blade and to be connected with the other conductor leading'to the switch may be mounted on or carried by the; lower crossbar 33rof theblade carrying frame 25a. The parts are arranged and related so that the contacts 26and 27 on: the blade are in co-operative engagement. with the clips 28 and 29, respectivelywhen thel blade is in the up or closed position. VIVhen the blade is down or in open position, the contacts on the blade are far removed from the clips, the contact 26 being at or close to the cross bar 32 of the blade carrying frame so that there is a wide gap between the stationary clip 28 and the blade 25.

The operating means provided by my invention act to operateA or reciprocate the blade 25 between the two positions just mentioned. The operating means illustrated in the drawings includes aplunger 50 which operates in, and projects from the upper endot", a housing 51 mounted stationary in the ground. The yplunger is operatively connected with and insulated from the switch blade 25 by suitable means; for instanceby a column of insulators 53. The column of insulators is constructedsoasto be rigidandthe connections between the insulators and the switch blade and plunger are made through upper and lower universal joints 54 and 54a. The lower universal joint 54a is adjustable, through a screw 54h allowing a vertical take up which compensates for any settling of the tower. The housing l is in the form ofva cylindrical case and is permanently embedded in the ground. The upper end of the housing which projects above the surface of the ground carries the cross head 42. 'Ihe plunger `is adapted to be reciprocated or moved up and down by suitable gear means. This includes an operating shaft ,which eX- tends into the upper part of the housing. On the operating shaft a worm 7 8 is mounted to operate a worm wheel 7 9 on shaft 60a located at right angles to the shaft 60. A pinion 6l is mounted on the other end of the shaft 6()a to mesh with a rack 62 mounted longitudinally on the plunger. The operating shaft may be provided with a hand wheel, a motor, or may be hydraulically operated, and in practice may be extended to any desired point removed from the switch, and may extend between several switches so that theyl operate together.

In accordance with my invention I provide themovable part of the switch with a counter balance so that it is easy to operate and will not move unless operated. 'Ihe counter balance may be in the form of a weight carried in the housing around the plunger., A ilexible cable66 connects the lower end of the plunger and weight and extends over a pulley 67 in the upper end portion of the housing. Vith this arrangement the weight and plunger move in opposite directions when the device is operated, one counterbalancing the other.

In accordance with my invention I provide grounding means operable to ground the switch when it is open and which can be in cluded in the disconnecting switch if desired. This grounding means includes stationary contact 7() and contact clips 'Tl movable with the blade to cooperate with the contacts T0 when the blade is down or in openposition. The contacts 70 may be mounted stationary on a cross bar 73 carried between the upper ends of the anchoring rods. The contact clips 7l may be mounted at the lower end of the switch blade 25 on projections or arms 7 5, extending from the blade. Vith this con* struction the blade 25 is effectively connected electrically with the parts of the switch connected with the ground when the blade is open or in the down position. In order that the blade carrying frame and other parts above the insulators 40 may be effectively if grounded I provide a. contact clip 77 on the top cross b-ar of the frame to receive the contact 26 when the blade is down.

From the foregoing description it is believed that the operation of theswitch will be readily understood. When the blade 25 is in the closed or up position, as shown in Fig. l and Fig. 2 of the drawings, electrical connection is made through the blade between the electrical connectors 16 and 17 or other parts connected with the contact clips 28 and 29. To open the switch the operating shaft v blade 25 are effectively connected with the ground., This ground connection is highly desirable for protection to men who work on the disconnecting switch or parts connected with the switch when the switch is open.

Having described only a typical preferred form of my invention I do not wish to limit myself to the specific details set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any changesor variations that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A switch to be carried by a line supporting tower and having its upper end attached to the tower, and means attaching the other end of the switch to the ground independently ofthe tower, the switch including, two spaced contacts, means supporting the contacts so that they are insulated from each other and from the tower and the ground` a blade movable into and out of position where it connects the contacts, and means whereby one of the contacts is electrically connected with the ground independently of the tower when the blade is out of position where it connects the contacts.

2. A switch to be carried by a line supportmg tower to extend from the upper part thereof to the ground including, two spaced contacts, means supporting the contacts so that they are insulated from each other and from the tower andthe ground, a blade movable into and out of position where it connects the .contacts, and means whereby one of the contacts is electrically connected with the ground independently of the tower'when the blade is out of position where it connects the contacts, said means including a contact carried by a part of the switch electrically connected with the ground and in position to be engaged by the blade.

3. A switch to be carried by a tower to eX- tend from the 'upper part of the tower to the ground including, an upper contact, a ground contact electrically connected with ground independently of the tower, a frame, strings of insulators supporting the frame between-said contacts, a lower contact carried by the frame, and a blade carried by the frame movable ver.-

t-icully between a position where it connects the upper and lower contacts and a position `tend from the upper part of the tower to the ground including, an upper contact, a ground contact electrically connected with ground independently of the tower, a frame, strings of insulators supporting the frame between said contacts, a lower contact carried by the iframe, ablade carried-by the frame movable Vertically between a position Where it connects the upper and lower contacts and a position where it connects the lower and ground contacts, and means for operatingthe blade from the ground including ai string of insulators insulating the blade from the ground.

5. A switch to be carried by a tower to cX- tend from the upper partpof the tower to the ground including,.an upper contact, a ground contact electrically connected with ground n1- dependently. of the tower, a frame, strings of insulators supporting the frame between said contacts, a lower contact carried by the-trame, a'blade carriedby the frame movable vertically between a position where it. connects the upperand-lower contacts and a position where it connects the lower and ground contacts, und means tor operating the lblade from the ground including,.a plunger mounted at the grcunthmeans for movingtheplunger Vertrcally,.and a string. of insulators,connecting the plunger and blade.

VG. A switch to becarried by a tower to extend .from the upper part thereof lto the ground including, two spacedr contacts, a, blade operable yvertically-to connect the contacts, and operating. means for the blade including,- a plunger at the' ground, a string of insulators connecting the blade and plunger, a counter balance connectedwith the plunger, and a mechanism at the rground for operating the plunger'.

7. A switch to be carried by a tower toextend from the upper part thereof to the ground including, two spaced contacts, a blade operable vertically to connect the contacts, and operatingmeans forthe blade including, a casing extending into the ground, a plunger operable in the casing and projecting upwardly therefrom, a string of nsulators connecting the plunger and blade, a counterweight in the casing connected with the plunger, and and a rack mechanism for operatinggthe plunger.

8. A switch to be carried by atower to be connected between the upper part of the tower and the ground including, an upper Contact, a ground contact electrically connected to the ground independently of the tower, a frame, insulators supporting the frame between said contacts, a lower contact carried by the frame, a bladeV slidably carried by the frame, and means forfoperating the blade vertically between a position where it connects the upper and lower contacts and a position where it connects the lower and ground contacts, said means including, a plunger mounted at the ground, means for operating the plunger, and insulators connecting the plunger and .the blade.

the lower end of the switch and a cross arm' carried between the anchor rods, a Vground contact mounted on said cross arm, a blade movable between a position where it connects Y the two spaced contacts anda position where it connects one of the spaced contacts and the ground contact, and means for operatingthc blade between these positions.

10,. Aswtch to be carried by a tower to be connected between part of the tower and the groundincluding, anupper Contact insulated from the tower by insulators, an anchor rod, a frame carried between the insulators and the anchor rod, a lower contact on the frame. an arm carried by the anchor -rod,`al ground contact mounted on the arm, and a blade moyable between a position where itconne'cts the upper and lower contacts and a position where it connects the lower and ground contacts.

11. A switch to be carriedby a tower to'be'l connected 'between a part of the tower' and the ground including, a cross arm, insulators carrying the cross arm, an upper contact mounted on the cross arm, the said insulators being connected to a part of the tower. a! frame, insulators extending from the cross arm and carrying the frame, the frame hafving an upper barand a. lower bar, a lower contact mounted on the lower bar, an anchor rod, insulators connecting the lower'bar with the anchor rods, an arm carried by the anchor rod, a ground contact on the last mentioned arm, a blade operable between a lposition where it connects the upper and lower contacts and a position where it connects the lower and ground contacts-and means to operate the blade including a' plunger on the groundconnected to the blade by insulators.

l2. A switch to be carried byva towerto be connected between a part of the tower and the ground including-two spaced kstring-'fs of insulators extendingA downward from a part of thetower, a cross arm carried between' the strings' of insulators, an upper Contact on the said cross arm, a frame supported by the strings of insulators, the frame having upper and lower bars, a lower `Contact mounted on the lower bar, anchor rods', a string of in'- sulators extending downward from each end ofthe lower bar of the frame connected to the anchor rods, a cross arm carriedfbetwcen lthe anchor rods, a ground contact mounted on the last mentioned cross arm, a blade operable to move between a position where it connects the upper and lower contacts and a position where it connects the lower and ground contacts, and means for operating the blade between these positions, said means including, a counterbalanced plunger on the ground and a gear and rack mechanism to operate the plunger.

13. A switch to be carried by a tower to be connected'between a part of the tower and the ground including, two spaced strings of insulators extending downward from the tower, a cross arm carried between the strings of insulators, an upper contact on the cross arm, a frame connected to the ends of the spaced strings of insulators, the frame having an upper bar and a lower bar, a contact on the upper bar, a Contact on the lower bar, spaced anchor rods, a string of insulators eX- tending downward from each end of the lower bar or' the frame and connected to the anchor rods, a cross arm carried between the said anchor rods, a ground contact on the last mentioned cross arm, a blade operable between a position where it connects the upper contact and the contact on the lower rod of the frame and a position where it connects the contacts on the upper and lower rods of the frame and the ground Contact, and means for operating the blade between these positions, said means including a counterbalanced l plunger on the ground and a gear mechanism to operate the plunger.

In witness that I claim the foregoing I have hereunto subscribed my name this 21st day of August, 1925.

FREDERICK II. MAYER. 

